1- Nursing (MSN), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
2- Assistant Professor, Department of community health, school of Nursing andMidwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran , shahlaasiri@gums.ac.ir
3- Assistant professor, social determinants of health research center, School of health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
4- Associate Professor, Biostatistics, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
Abstract: (597 Views)
Abstract
Introduction: Feelings of loneliness and attitudes toward ageing in the elderly are associated with physical and psychological problems and increase the need for care services.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors related to feelings of loneliness and attitudes toward ageing in the elderly referred to centers covered by the country's pension fund
Methods and materials: This cross-sectional study was performed on 235 elderly people covered by the Rasht State Pension Fund who were selected by proportionate stratified sampling. Data were collected using a demographic information checklist, Social and Emotional. Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S) and Aging Attitude Questionnaire (AAQ). Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficient, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multiple linear regression model.
Results:The majority of samples (52.3%) were in the age range of 60 to 64 years. 53.6% of them were male and 93.2% were married. 51.1% had high school diploma. The mean scores of loneliness and attitudes toward ageing were 6.0 ±27.7and 7.3± 81.1 respectively. loneliness score was different based on education (P = 0.004), monthly income (P = 0.017) and interacting with others (P = 0.035) and attitudes towards was statistically significant different based on age (P = 0.002), post-retirement employment (P = 0.044), living status (P = 0.005), use of psychiatric drugs (P = 0.008) and interacting with others (P = 0.043) . Also, after adjusting the effects of individual-social variables using multiple linear regression, the attitude toward ageing was considered as a predictor of loneliness (B=-0.22, CI95% ;-0.33 to -0.11, P=0.001).
Conclusion: Attitudes toward ageing are one of the predictors of loneliness in the elderly. Therefore, by modifying some demographic factors and designing interventions and educational programs, it is possible to change the attitude towards ageing and reduce the feeling of loneliness in the elderly.
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Older people in Rasht City have a low level of loneliness, while their attitudes toward aging are higher than average.
- Educational level, monthly income, and social interactions significantly affect loneliness in older people.
- Age, employment after retirement, living arrangements, use of psychiatric drugs, and social interactions have significant relationships with attitudes toward aging in older adults.
- Attitudes toward aging are a predictor of loneliness in older people.
Plain Language Summary
Due to the reduction in mortality rate and increased life expectancy, the number of older people has increased. Feelings of loneliness in older people are associated with physical and psychological problems. This study investigated the factors related to loneliness and attitudes toward aging in 235 older people covered by the National Pension Fund in Northern Iran. The findings showed that the attitude toward aging was a predictor of loneliness in older people, and educational level, monthly income, and interaction with others had a significant relationship with feelings of loneliness. Moreover, age, employment after retirement, living arrangement, use of psychiatric drugs, and interaction with others were significantly associated with attitudes toward aging in older people. By modifying these factors and designing interventions and educational programs, it is possible to change the attitude toward aging and reduce the feeling of loneliness in older adults.
Article Type :
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2023/06/28 | Accepted: 2023/06/29 | Published: 2023/06/29